Gardens in British Art in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Ref: C2224394

This course explores how gardens have been represented in British art throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Work examined includes the botanical artist Margaret Mee and English painter Eric Ravilious. During this course, we will start with a quick history of gardens as seen in art and then examine the artwork of various British artists looking at the content, style, medium used and other factors of the pieces. Topics range from formal gardens to allotments, greenhouses to garden sheds as represented by various artists. Furthermore, we will look at individual plants as illustrated by botanical artists.

Course aim

This course aims to explore how gardens have been represented in British art throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

No skills or experience needed

By the end of the course I should be able to:

Recognise at least 2 key elements of garden design in 2 different periods.

Identify five British artists who have represented gardens in their artwork.

Recognise at least 2 key elements of garden design in 2 different periods.

Discover the artwork of at least one previously unknown artist.

How will I be taught?

The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning

You will be encouraged to take your own notes for the classes.

What kind of feedback can I expect?

A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion

What else do I need to know?

Pen/pencil and paper.

Pre-course work, reading and information sources

No pre reading or pre course work is required

Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse, Royal Academy of Arts Exhibition Catalogue
Botany for Gardeners: The Art and Science of Gardening Explained and Explored, RHS.
Art of the Garden. Tate Publishing.